As much as Christmas is known as the ‘most wonderful time of the year’, it can be a difficult and challenging time for separated families looking to make arrangements to spend time with their children.
Although in most cases children spend time with both parents, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to where the children should spend Christmas. It is therefore important that parents work as amicably and collaboratively as possible to come to an agreement as to when, where and for how long, their children spend with each parent over the festive period.
It may be for some families that this arrangement can be made by an agreement that the children will spend Christmas with each parent on alternative years, or for some families an arrangement may have already been ordered by the Court. However, many parents may spend the weeks approaching Christmas in constant limbo coming to an arrangement and create a sense of animosity for the children which may negatively impact their Christmas celebrations.
Our solicitors here at Ramsdens have pulled together some tips, suggestions and recommendations which may assist families who are struggling to reach an agreement for contact over Christmas 2024.
1. Communication
In the first instance, you should look to amicably communicate with one and other in order to come to an arrangement that you both feel is fair, reasonable, and of course in the children’s best interests. Focus on discussing your wishes and feelings as parents, and listening to each other. Some families may also wish to take into consideration and the arrangements over Christmas in previous years. Did you have your children last Christmas Day?
2. 50/50 Split
Parents may wish to share their time with the children as equally as possible, and may consider the children spending Christmas Eve and half of Christmas day with one parent and the remainder of Christmas day and Boxing day with the other.
3. The Children’s Wishes and Feelings
Consideration could also be given to your children’s wishes and feelings but this is an adult decision so you should not force them to choose between parents. For example, would they prefer to split Christmas Day between both parents, or stay in one place? Ask yourself, what is in their best interests?
4. Christmas 2.0
Should parents not be able to come to an agreement, it may be that the parent who does not spend Christmas day with the children can look to arrange a ‘second’ Christmas day, before or shortly after the 25th of December. This way the children get to spend a day of festivities and create special memories with both parents.
5. Planning Ahead
Should you and your partner be able to come to an agreement for the festive period this year, why not consider planning ahead and coming to an agreement on an arrangement for next year too. Many parents like to alternate who the children spend Christmas with each year, but this may not work for all families. It is important to consider the wishes and feelings of all family members involved and how you can reduce any animosity around the festive period for your children.
Contact us for advice
If you are looking to resolve a family law matter, or are experiencing difficulties in arranging contact with your children following separation, please contact our experienced Family Team - telephone: 01484 821500 or email: family@ramsdens.co.uk
The above article is for illustrative purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It is recommended that specific professional advice is sought before acting on any part of the information given.